Sri Lanka’s labour reforms undergo new checks
Sri Lanka’s labour laws have been under the scanner for some time but this time it will go under a new lens as the new draft is set to differ from the previously drawn out document. This will be ready by January 2026.
This is a new draft that the authorities are working on based on the provisions of the already existing Act, Labour Ministry Secretary S.M. Piyatissa told The Sunday Times Business.
The draft of the labour reforms is being discussed within a Cabinet appointed committee with the participation of Professors, academics, university representatives, state sector officials like Labour Ministry Secretary, Labour Ministry Additional Secretary and the Plantation Industries Ministry Secretary and the Commissioner General of Labour.
The concerns of the trade unions and the employers will be taken up in January once the new draft is ready and which will be submitted to the stakeholders for review.
He noted that this is an altogether new document they are preparing adding that had the previous document being accepted they would have already been ready with the draft that was finalised by the previous government.
At present only three meetings of the committee have taken place as they are still at the drafting stage, he said.
Mr. Piyatissa pointed out that they hope it will help generate foreign direct investments to the country and even that is still being discussed within the appointed committee.
The Labour Secretary noted that the previous document prepared under the former government was not accepted by the trade unions as it was prepared without discussing with them. As a result, Mr. Piyatissa said that they will have to “re-think” in drafting the new document.
The earlier labour reforms document had only one law amalgamating 14 Acts, he said. However, now the committee believes that this is “irrational” as it deals with labour standards; occupational safety and health, the main area of trade union registration and industrial dispute.
Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Union General Secretary Anton Marcus told The Sunday Times Business that they are yet to receive a draft of the document and remained concerned that it might be the same as the previous document that was opposed by them.
Some of the concerns relate to the registering of a trade union with 100 members a significant increase from the previous five.
Interference in trade union affairs if the labour officers are involved in the conduct of a secret ballot when discussing trade union action, is under discussion. Mr. Marcus says this draft needs to be submitted at the National Labour Advisory Council meeting that is scheduled to take place on October 23.
Hitad.lk has you covered with quality used or brand new cars for sale that are budget friendly yet reliable! Now is the time to sell your old ride for something more attractive to today's modern automotive market demands. Browse through our selection of affordable options now on Hitad.lk before deciding on what will work best for you!